It’s crucial to properly prep your walls before painting or applying wallpaper. The primer application is a crucial part of this preparation. Primer ensures that your final finish looks its best by helping to create a smooth, even surface.
Your paint or wallpaper will adhere better and last longer if you use a primer. Primer is an easy but important step in the process, whether you’re painting an old wall or working with fresh drywall.
This post will discuss the various kinds of primer that are available, when to use them, and effective application techniques to get the best results.
As a base coat that gets the surface ready for paint or wallpaper, a primer is a crucial first step in wall decoration. It guarantees improved adhesion, balances out the texture of the wall, and improves the finished product, making your decorative endeavors more long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing.
- Description of the primer
- How to choose a primer?
- Selection criteria by composition
- Selection criteria by purpose
- Selection criteria by surface type
- For metal
- For wood
- For other surfaces
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Description of the primer
An emulsion agent used in construction is called primer. The finishing material’s adhesion to the surface is improved by such a product. Additionally, the primer fills in cracks and levels the base. As seen in the picture, the composition is applied using a brush, roller, or spray gun.
Bitumen, drying oil, glue, oils, and resin are all found in primers. After the product is applied, these materials create a film on the surface that speeds up drying and defines the primer’s characteristics. Solvents may also be present in the primer. Such compositions have a distinct, disagreeable smell. They operate in an area with ventilation.
How to choose a primer?
GOST is a type of product quality seal. It signifies that the product satisfies the requirements set forth by the government. As a result, consumers attempt to select only products bearing the GOST mark. Primer is not an exemption. The primer is purchased far more voluntarily if there is such a mark than if not. Still, you ought to take a peek at the titles that appear beside GOST. They will inform you of the materials for which the primer is appropriate.
Selection criteria by composition
Primer types according to base type:
- Acrylic primer. Suitable for all types of surfaces. The primer dries in 4 hours, dissolves in water, does not emit unpleasant odors and is safe for health.
- Alkyd composition. Recommended for use on metal and wooden building bases. Such a primer does not emit unpleasant odors. Drying time – 15 hours.
- Glyphthalic primer. Used only indoors for metal building bases. Drying period – 24 hours.
- Phenolic agent. Used for wood and metal surfaces. Dries in 12 hours.
- Perchlorovinyl primer. Used for concrete, plastered and metal surfaces. The primer is recommended for use outdoors. Drying time – 60 minutes at a temperature of 20 0 C.
- Polystyrene composition. Used for plastered and wooden reasons. Cannot be used indoors due to the content of solvents that can provoke poisoning of the body.
- Polyvinyl acetate primer. Used only under the paint of the same name. Drying time – 30 minutes.
Selection criteria by purpose
Primer types according to use:
- Impregnating primer. Recommended for use to strengthen fragile plaster. Such primer is applied to drywall before tiling or wallpapering. The composition not only strengthens the surface, but also protects it from moisture.
- Antiseptic primer. The main purpose is to protect the surface from mold and mildew. The composition also improves the adhesion of the surface and the finish coat.
- Anticorrosion primer. Recommended for use on a metal surface, as it protects it from rust.
Selection criteria by surface type
For metal
Four different kinds of primers work well with metal bases:
- insulating;
- passivating;
- protective;
- phosphating.
GOST GF 021 is one of the insulating primers included in the quantity. Both metal and wooden surfaces can be processed with this mixture. Underneath oil and nitro paints is the primer. GOST was introduced on January 1, 1983, and it is still in effect for primer GF 021. Solvents are present in the primer, indicating flammability. The sharp reserve of the composition is also explained by the content of these substances.
Additionally, GOST 9355 81 – primer HS-010 and primer HS-04 GOST are included in insulating compositions.
AK-070, GF-031, and other GOST primers are examples of passivating primers. It is advised to use these compositions on alloys and stainless steel. Pigments found in primers have the ability to passivate metal.
Metal powder is present in protective primers. As a result, the primer covers the surface with a thick layer that is impermeable.
It is advised to use phosphorizing primers on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The products increase paint adherence to the base. These mixtures consist of primers VL-023, VL-03, and so on.
For wood
For this surface, the primer types listed below are appropriate:
- acrylic primers. These primers have the best price-quality ratio. The compositions are easy to apply and dry quickly. Acrylic primer GOST 25129 GF-021 is suitable for wood. It is also applicable to metal, as mentioned above. Water-dispersion primer GOST 52020-2003 is also suitable for wood;
- alkyd primers. The products are recommended for use on wood that has not been processed. After priming, a smooth film is formed on the surface, hiding roughness. Alkyd compositions include primer PF-020 GOST 18186-72;
- polyurethane and epoxy primers. These products contain solvents, so primers should be used with caution.
For other surfaces
It is advised to use a deep penetration primer on surfaces made of brick and concrete. In addition to improving adherence between the base and the material, it fills microcracks and binds dust and dirt residues. R ISO 9001-2001 is the GOST for deep penetration primer.
The primer betonokontakt GOST 28196 is one of the greatest mixes for concrete. Its composition is distinctive. Foreign producers mix quartz sand into Russian primers, which contain marble flour. These additions strengthen the bond between the decorative material and the concrete. It is advised to use Betonokontakt on surfaces like tiles, glass, etc.
It is advised to use silicone primers on all kinds of surfaces. When this kind of primer is applied to brick and stone bases, it serves as both a hydrophobic coating and bonding layer.
Type of Primer | Application |
Water-based Primer | Best for interior walls, dries quickly, and reduces surface absorption. |
Oil-based Primer | Ideal for exterior surfaces, blocks stains, and provides a smooth base for paint. |
Shellac Primer | Excellent for covering severe stains, dries quickly, and seals surfaces effectively. |
The first stage in creating a successful wall decoration is priming the surface. It guarantees that the paint or finish adheres correctly, producing a more durable and polished end product.
It’s crucial to select the appropriate primer for the type of wall you have and the finish you wish to use. For the best results, there is a primer that can be used on glossy surfaces, old plaster, or freshly installed drywall.
Ignoring this step can result in inconsistent outcomes, wastage of materials, and ultimately more work. By spending the time to prime your walls, you’re making an investment in the final project’s longevity and aesthetic appeal.